Publication Abstract

Phytoplankton are at the base of the marine food web and changes in phytoplankton diversity affect all higher trophic levels, yet around Gibraltar virtually no information on these changes in phytoplankton were available. Here we present a new dataset on phytoplankton diversity and abundance based on samples regularly collected throughout the year from 4 near-shore sites in Gibraltar. Samples were analysed using the Utermöhl method, with cell concentrations per litre determined from counts of target taxa. The data records span 2009 to 2019 and provide comprehensive seasonal coverage. 92% of phytoplankton taxa were identified to genus level offering robust insights into both seasonal variations and longer-term changes in richness and abundance. When combined with oceanographic and fish survey records, this new dataset could help with the understanding and management of the marine environment and fish stocks. The dataset is available on the Cefas Data Hub at: https://doi.org/10.14466/CefasDataHub.111.

Beth Bear, Amy Lovegrove*, Nevena Almeida, Cheryl Crisp, Cathy House, Jonathan Kay, Amy Mace, Robert van Ree, Stephen Warr

https://doi.org/10.14466/CefasDataHub.111